A Florida garbage truck driver has been sentenced to death after company cameras installed inside his own truck captured him discussing his plans to murder his pregnant 23-year-old lover — a conversation he apparently forgot was being recorded.
Jose Soto-Escalera was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of Tania Wise, who was nearly nine months pregnant at the time of her death. Her body was discovered in a roadside ditch in St. Lucie County, Florida, with two deep lacerations to her throat.
Investigators learned that Wise and Soto-Escalera, a married man, had been involved in a secret relationship. DNA testing confirmed he was the father of her unborn child. He had previously given Wise $500 to terminate the pregnancy, but she chose not to go through with it. Detectives believe he feared losing both his marriage and his livelihood if the relationship became public.
The most devastating evidence against him came from his own workplace. Truck cab cameras recorded Soto-Escalera telling his nephew he planned to kill Wise, stating he had no other choice. After the murder, his nephew was also heard referencing the crime on the same recording. A police lieutenant read the translated transcript aloud to the jury during trial.
Investigators further strengthened their case by syncing neighborhood surveillance footage with cell phone records, placing his truck near Wise’s home the night of the murder. Blood found on the floorboard of his truck was identified as a high-probability DNA match to Tania Wise.
At trial, Soto-Escalera did not testify and his defense called no witnesses. The jury deliberated just over one hour before returning guilty verdicts on both murder counts.
During the penalty phase, Wise’s young son addressed the court, saying he lost not only his mother but the chance to have her watch him grow up.
The jury voted eight to four to recommend death. Jose Soto-Escalera was formally sentenced to death.
